Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Trusted Mortgage Partner in Sheridan, AR
At FirstTrust Home Loans, our unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional home financing experience has defined our operations for over two decades. Founded in 2003 by Glenn Strong, our journey began as First Arkansas Financial and evolved into a trusted regional mortgage leader operating across eight states. We prioritize personalized service through dedicated Loan Teams while leveraging cutting-edge technology like our MortgageStrong app to streamline the paperless mortgage process. Our core values emphasize community engagement, employee well-being, and customer-centric solutions, reflected in our 20+ years of serving thousands of homeowners. With physical locations in key markets and a team of experienced professionals, we combine local market expertise with national lending capabilities.Our leadership team, including industry veterans like Chief Financial Officer Erika Martens and Chief Operations Officer Michelle Rocha, drives innovation while maintaining foundational principles of integrity and transparency. Recognized as Arkansas' largest independent mortgage lender, we balance technological advancements with human expertise to ensure every client receives tailored guidance. Our community initiatives, including FirstTrust for Kids, demonstrate our dedication to social responsibility beyond mortgage services. Through consistent growth and adherence to core values, we maintain our mission to make home financing accessible, efficient, and customer-focused.
Services
Mortgage Loans
Refinancing
Home Financing
Loan Origination
Community Programs
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized mortgage solutions with dedicated Loan Teams.
- Our MortgageStrong app provides seamless digital mortgage management tools.
- We combine 20+ years of regional mortgage expertise with national capabilities.
- Our community-focused approach includes quarterly charitable initiatives.
- We maintain physical locations across eight states for local market expertise.
Associations and certifications
- NMLS
What people say
Exceptional service
Smooth process
Professional team
Personalized attention
Timely closings
Services
Mortgage Loans
We provide comprehensive mortgage loan solutions tailored to individual financial situations. Our experienced Loan Officers guide clients through conventional, FHA, and VA loan options while leveraging digital tools for document submission and process tracking. With physical locations across eight states, we combine local market knowledge with national lending capabilities to ensure competitive rates and personalized service throughout the home financing journey.
Refinancing
Our refinancing services help homeowners optimize their mortgage terms through rate-and-term adjustments or cash-out options. Using advanced analytics and market insights, our team evaluates each client's unique situation to determine optimal refinancing opportunities. The MortgageStrong app enables seamless tracking of refinance progress while maintaining personalized guidance from dedicated Loan Officers throughout the process.
Community Programs
FirstTrust for Kids represents our commitment to community impact through quarterly charitable initiatives. Our employees actively participate in programs supporting children's welfare while maintaining our core mortgage business operations. These efforts extend our mission of making a positive difference beyond home financing, focusing on educational support, housing assistance, and family services in communities we serve across eight states.
Loan Origination
We specialize in end-to-end loan origination services with a focus on personalized client interaction. Our NMLS-certified Loan Officers utilize digital platforms for efficient application processing while maintaining direct communication throughout the approval journey. The streamlined workflow ensures timely closings, with many transactions completing within 45 days through coordinated team efforts and technology integration.
Digital Mortgage Tools
Our MortgageStrong app offers paperless mortgage management with features for document submission, loan tracking, and secure communication. Available on iOS and Android platforms, these tools complement personalized service by providing 24/7 access to loan status updates and calculators for pre-approval estimations. The technology infrastructure supports efficient processing while maintaining compliance with industry security standards.
People
Glenn Strong
Chief Executive Officer
Founder with over 20 years in mortgage industry, previously served as Loan Originator and brokerage owner before establishing FirstTrust Home Loans in 2003. Leads strategic vision while maintaining customer-focused approach.
Erika Martens
Chief Financial Officer
Manages financial operations with extensive experience in mortgage industry accounting and compliance. Oversees fiscal strategy while ensuring regulatory adherence across eight-state operations since joining leadership team.
Michelle Rocha
Chief Operations Officer
Drives operational efficiency and process improvement with deep understanding of mortgage workflows. Implements technology solutions to enhance customer experience while maintaining team collaboration across multiple locations.
Ben Paul
President
Provides strategic leadership in market expansion and business development. Combines data-driven insights with industry expertise to guide growth initiatives and maintain competitive positioning in evolving mortgage markets.
Hunter Strong
Loan Officer
NMLS-certified professional with proven track record in client satisfaction. Recognized for personalized service approach and commitment to guiding clients through successful mortgage transactions within 45-day average closing timelines.
Questions
What mortgage loan options do you offer?
We provide conventional, FHA, VA, and specialized loan programs with competitive rates across eight states through personalized guidance from NMLS-certified Loan Officers.
How can I track my mortgage application?
Use our free MortgageStrong app for real-time updates, document submission, and secure communication with your Loan Officer available on iOS and Android platforms.
What areas do you serve?
We operate in Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin with local Loan Officers in key markets.
How long does the mortgage process take?
Most transactions close within 45 days through our streamlined workflow, with dedicated Loan Teams ensuring efficient processing from application to closing.
Do you offer refinancing options?
Yes, we provide rate-and-term refinancing and cash-out options tailored to individual financial goals, with expert analysis to determine optimal timing for homeowners.
What community initiatives do you support?
Our FirstTrust for Kids program focuses on quarterly charitable efforts supporting children's welfare, education, and housing assistance in communities across our service areas.
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